Civic Groups

Rotary Awards $77,912 In Grants

Grants totaling $77,912 from the Lakewood-Rocky River Rotary Foundation will provide scholarships, encourage student achievement, fight hunger, and foster programs for community health and wellness.

Each year, the Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River seeks grant applications from non-profit organizations that serve our youth, adults and community within Lakewood and Rocky River. Since its creation in 1952 by then-Club President Carl Dryer, the Foundation has enabled the club to provide over $1.25 million in student scholarships and grants. This has been accomplished due to the generosity of the club’s philanthropic membership.

This year, the club will award $15,000 in scholarships to high school seniors and present $7,000 in prizes to student winners in the club’s annual speech, music, and art competition.

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Volume 20, Issue 2, Posted 1:15 PM, 01.24.2024

Rotary Seeks Grant Applications

Each year, the Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River provides grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that serve youth, adults and the community-at-large within Lakewood and Rocky River.

The Club is now accepting applications for its 2023-24 grant cycle. The deadline for applications is Thursday, November 9, 2023; grants will be announced in January 2024. Grants generally range from $2,500 to $5,000. Organizations may submit only one application.

The Rotary Club focuses its funding primarily on programs and projects that benefit residents of Lakewood and Rocky River in the following areas: hunger, health services, housing, youth development, and community quality of life.

The grant application form can be accessed on the club’s website, www.lakewoodrockyriverrotary.org. The completed application form and requested attachments should be submitted via email to grants.lrrrotary@gmail.com.

For additional information, contact Curt Brosky at 216-702-1075, or the grants email address above.

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Volume 19, Issue 21, Posted 9:45 AM, 11.08.2023

Foundation Awards $78,532 In Grants

Grants totaling $78,532 from the Lakewood-Rocky River Rotary Foundation will provide scholarships, encourage student achievement, fight hunger, and foster programs for community health and wellness.

Each year, the Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River seeks grant applications from non-profit organizations that serve our youth, adults and community within Lakewood and Rocky River. Since its creation in 1952 by then-Club President Carl Dryer, the Foundation has enabled the club to provide over $1.25 million in student scholarships and grants. This has been accomplished due to the generosity of the club’s philanthropic membership.

This year, the club will award $15,000 in scholarships to high school seniors and present $7,000 in prizes to student winners in the club’s annual speech, music, and art competition.

A grant of $2,340 was used for the club’s annual literacy project, purchasing dictionaries for 624 third grade students in Lakewood and Rocky River.

A $4,572 award went to Rocky River Meals on Wheels to purchase food and cooking equipment.

Three organizations each received a $4,500 grant – Trials for Hope to establish the new Cove Center Dry Goods Pantry; LakewoodAlive for its Home Safety Repairs Volunteer Program; and Elle's Enchanted Forest Playground for new equipment for disabled children.

 

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Volume 19, Issue 2, Posted 12:31 PM, 01.18.2023

Harlan Radford Receives Rotary Paul Harris Fellow Award

Harlan Radford has been named a Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) by the Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River in recognition of his leadership in the club and the communities it serves.

He was among those honored at the District 6630 Annual Foundation Awards Gala at Windows on the River on November 17.

Radford joined the club in July 2014 and immediately became totally involved in growing and strengthening the club’s membership. In presenting the award, past president Jim Lechko acknowledged Radford’s contributions, stating, “He has an amazing ability to explain and exemplify the tenets of our organization clearly and enthusiastically. As a result, he has been the source of nearly all our new members over the last eight years.”

Now serving on the District Membership Committee, Radford chaired the club’s membership committee shortly after he joined the club. He also serves on its board of directors and runs the club’s literacy project where each year over 400 dictionaries are presented to every third grader in Lakewood and Rocky River.

He single-handedly runs an annual Swim A Thon fundraiser that has garnered significant funds for equipment for the local police and fire departments, as well as the Elle’s Enchanted Forest playground in Rocky River.

 

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Volume 18, Issue 23, Posted 5:06 PM, 12.07.2022

Rotary Assists With Produce Distribution

Ten Rotary club members and friends volunteered October 15 at Trinity Lakewood Community Outreach's monthly produce distribution. Three tons of food was distributed to about 80 families, with the remainder delivered to St. Augustine food pantry in Tremont.

Participants were John Chandler and grandson, Jim Harris, Marjorie Corrigan, Jon and Mary Fancher, George and Lily Hwang and nephew Kyle, and Curt Brosky.

The distribution takes place, rain or shine, May through November, in the parking lot of Lakewood Congregational Church at 1375 W. Clifton (Detroit Avenue and West Clifton) in Lakewood.

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Volume 18, Issue 21, Posted 1:41 PM, 11.02.2022

Lakewood Black Caucus Will Sponsor Its First Allyship Program

Patricia Wellborn, president of Lakewood Black Caucus, will present an intensive educational for class program that is open to all individuals who choose to broaden their knowledge of the complex challenges of racism in America, and offer suggestions on how to be an effective force in the struggle for equity and justice.

The program is spread over four consecutive Sundays: November 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th. The classes will be held at Lakewood Presbyterian Church, 14502 Detroit Avenue which is at the corner of Marlowe and Detroit, and there is free parking on Detroit and at the rear of the church. The classes begin promptly at 11:20 a.m. and end at 12:05 p.m. The program is free and open to everyone.

Patricia Wellborn is an African American senior who has lived in Lakewood since 2015. She is active in social justice work and is president of the newly formed Lakewood Black Caucus.

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Volume 18, Issue 21, Posted 1:41 PM, 11.02.2022

Rotary Seeks Grant Applications

Each year, the Rotary Club of Lakewood & Rocky River provides grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that serve youth, adults and the community-at-large within Lakewood and Rocky River.

The Club is now accepting applications for its 2022-23 grant cycle. The deadline for applications is Friday, October 28, 2022; grants will be announced in late December. Grants generally range from $500 to $5,000.

The Rotary Club focuses its funding primarily on programs and projects that benefit residents of Lakewood and Rocky River in the following areas: hunger, health services, housing, job training, youth leadership, and community projects. Special consideration is given to applications that request seed money for new initiatives, offer hands-on opportunities for Rotarians to volunteer, or are submitted by organizations with which Rotarians are involved.

Organizations may submit more than one application (i.e., one for an ongoing program and a second for a special start-up project). Each request should be submitted separately and include all the attachments listed on the application form.

The grant application form can be accessed on the club’s website, www.lakewoodrockyriverrotary.org. The completed application form and requested attachments should be submitted via email to grants.lrrrotary@gmail.com.

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Volume 18, Issue 19, Posted 5:28 PM, 10.05.2022

Rotary Awards Scholarships To Five High School Seniors

Five area graduating seniors have been awarded college scholarships by the Rotary Club of Lakewood-Rocky River. Recipients are Estella Dajko, Elana Rouse, and Isabella Shaner of Rocky River High School, and Abigail Hirsch and Teeghan McGann of Lakewood High School.

Each will receive a $3,000 award from the Lakewood-Rocky River Rotary Foundation. This $15,000 scholarship program is part of over $60,000 that the Rotary club donates to community programs each year.

In addition to demonstrating academic achievement and potential, these five Rotary scholarship winners were chosen for their character, as well as extracurricular and community involvement.

Abigail Hirsch has a passion for building connections among students. She was a captain of the Rangers Cross-Country team. She was deeply involved in the school’s Race and Diversity Club to build bridges and break down barriers, and the Home Alone Club to guide younger students on safety measures when going to empty homes after school. She was inducted into Lakewood’s chapter of the National Honor Society. With aspirations to become a psychiatrist, Abby will attend Ohio University to study psychology.

Teeghan McGann lives the volunteer life, helping with her high school’s programs like Help 2 Others, Home Alone, and the Lakewood Youth Running Club. She also volunteered at St. Luke’s parish and at a local nursing home in the early days of the pandemic when residents’ families were unable to visit. She co-captained the Ranger Track & Field and Cross-Country teams. Teeghan likes to work collaboratively with her peers, and plans to do that studying business at Miami University.

 

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Volume 18, Issue 12, Posted 12:51 PM, 06.15.2022

Rotary Assists With RiverSweep

Rotarians George Hwang, Mark Bacon, Doug Cooper and Curt Brosky participated in the 33rd Annual RiverSweep on May 7. This marks the eighth year the Rotary Club of Lakewood - Rocky River has participated in this project organized by Canalway Partners. Over 1,000 area volunteers participated at multiple locations in the Cuyahoga River valley, with over sixty at the club's location near Steelyard Commons. Members picked up trash along Big Creek and adjacent streets of Jennings Road, Valley Road and Crestline Avenue, filling dozens of trash bags with collected trash.

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Volume 18, Issue 10, Posted 2:00 PM, 05.18.2022

Earth Day Cleanup

Earth Day Cleanup is back in Lakewood! Please join Keep Lakewood Beautiful (KLB) and other volunteers at Lakewood City Hall on Saturday, April 30 from 9am to 11am.  We’ll pick up litter and spruce up nearby city streets and public areas. KLB provides safety vests, grabber tongs, gloves, garbage bags and buckets. No preregistration is necessary, just come if you can. We strive to keep this a family-friendly event, children are welcome; we’ll find a safe spot for them to participate. We’re giving away free trees!

Hope you can join us in keeping our beautiful city beautiful.

Also mark your calendars for the return of KLB’s Humus and Perennial Flower sale. It’ll be held on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at the Lakewood Park skate parking lot from 9am to noon.

Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram by following @KeepLakewoodBeautiful.

KLB is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to working with our fellow citizens on recycling, litter prevention and beautification. We are always looking for new board members, volunteers and ideas. Contact information can be found through the Keep Lakewood Beautiful page on the city website.

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Volume 18, Issue 8, Posted 2:58 PM, 04.20.2022

Rotary Foundation Awards $74,455 In Grants

Grants totaling $74,455 from the Lakewood-Rocky River Rotary Foundation will provide scholarships, encourage student achievement, fight hunger, and foster programs for community health and wellness.

Each year, the Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River seeks grant applications from non-profit organizations that serve our youth, adults and community within Lakewood and Rocky River. Since its creation in 1952 by then-Club President Carl Dryer, the Foundation has enabled the club to provide over $1.25 million in student scholarships and grants. This has been accomplished due to the generosity of the club’s philanthropic membership.

This year, the club will award $15,000 in scholarships to high school seniors and present $7,000 in prizes to student winners in the club’s annual speech, music, and art competition.

A $5,000 award goes to the Lakewood Community Services Center for its food delivery program.

 

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Volume 18, Issue 1, Posted 10:15 AM, 01.05.2022

Lakewood Black Caucus Film Series Correction

The last film in the six film series that is being presented at the Barton Senior Center Auditorium will be showing from 4-6pm. on November 18th. The film series investigates racism against African Americans, and it will be moderated by Patricia Wellborn, President of Lakewood Black Caucus. 

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Volume 17, Issue 21, Posted 3:04 PM, 11.03.2021

Rotary Seeks Grant Applications

The Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River is seeking grant applications from non-profit organizations that serve our youth, adults and community within Lakewood and Rocky River.

Each year, the Rotary club, through its foundation, gives back to the community nearly $70,000 in grants, scholarships, and financial aid.

Applications must be submitted by November 14. The application process has changed this year as completed forms and materials should not be mailed but instead be submitted via email to lrrrotary@gmail.com. Grant awards will be announced in late December.

Grants requests can be for seed money for new endeavors, or to grow, enhance or sustain existing programs. Applications should emphasize activities that focus on job training, youth leadership, and health and hunger services.

Organizations are not limited to the number of applications they may submit.

Additional information and the grant application form can be accessed on the club’s website, www.lakewoodrockyriverrotary.org.

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Volume 17, Issue 20, Posted 3:04 PM, 11.03.2021

Lakewood Democrats Endorse Four Women Candidates For The General Election

The members of Lakewood Democratic Club made history on September 30, 2021 when, for the first time dating back to the 1920s, they endorsed all women candidates for the 2021 General Election.

Of the 11 candidates who sought endorsement by the Club, these four women were endorsed when they received 60% or more of the vote: Sarah Kepple for City Council at-Large, Tess Neff for Municipal Court Judge, and Nora Katzenberger and Betsy Shaughnessy for School Board.

Club members reviewed extensive questionnaires from all 11 candidates and evaluated their responses to questioning at its monthly public meeting. Topics included important issues facing the city such as the affordable housing crisis, economic development, public safety, access to justice in our court, diversity and inclusion, and the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on students.

Councilperson at-Large Sarah Kepple, a small business tech entrepreneur and grassroots community organizer, was the only council candidate to receive endorsement. In her time on council, Kepple has worked to increase public participation in our local government by focusing on communication and accessibility. She has championed initiatives to help Lakewood businesses survive and thrive during the pandemic. Kepple has smart ideas to advance Lakewood’s environmental sustainability and holistically approach issues of public safety, and the collaborative style and strong work ethic to turn them into good policy for our city. We encourage Lakewood to keep Sarah Kepple on Council.

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Volume 17, Issue 20, Posted 1:25 PM, 10.20.2021

Herb Guild Garden Club Scholarship Luncheon Postponed

The Herb Guild Garden Club will not hold its annual Scholarship Luncheon this year due to the Covid Pandemic. The Luncheon is normally held at the beginning of August. Instead, scholarships will be awarded, but in a private ceremony which will be announced. The club is planning some type of fundraiser for the Fall and details will be published at a later date. Club President, Shirley Swindell said, "We will come back bigger and better in 2022."

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Volume 17, Issue 13, Posted 3:01 PM, 07.07.2021

Rotary Inducts Baran As Newest Member

Corbin Baran has been inducted as the most recent member of the Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River.

A resident of Lakewood, Baran is area vice president for Arthur J. Gallagher. He serves on the board of the Children's Hunger Alliance and is a member of the Western Reserve Association of Health Underwriters.

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Volume 17, Issue 10, Posted 2:16 PM, 07.21.2021

Geist Honored For 50 Years Of Rotary service

When Thom Geist joined the Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River in June of 1970, his father asked him why he wanted to go to lunch with a bunch of old guys who sat around and sang songs. It didn’t take long for Geist to realize that there was far more to Rotary.

Honored last month at the 2021 Ohio Rotary District Conference for his 50 years of service as a Rotarian, Geist has served on various club committees and in numerous leadership roles including as the club historian.

He led the club as president from 1984-1985 when the Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River was the third largest club in District 6630. Subsequently, he was elected to the club’s Foundation board where he served as chair.

There have been many favorite projects including participation in the distribution of dictionaries each year to all third-grade students in Lakewood and Rocky River and the planning of club social events including the annual clambake and wassail bowl Christmas party.

 

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Volume 17, Issue 10, Posted 11:40 AM, 05.19.2021

The Herb Guild Offers Scholarship

The Herb Guild Garden Club is offering a one-time scholarship for 2021 available to graduating high school seniors as well as Lorain County Community College and Cuyahoga Community College current freshmen or sophomore students.  Applicants must be residents of the state of Ohio and a U.S. citizen. (International or foreign exchange students are not eligible). Only students with a proposed academic study in Forestry, Botany, Horticulture, Environmental Science, Agriculture, Landscaping, or Culinary Arts are eligible for this scholarship. Deadline to apply is April 6, 2021.  For further information contact Mary Kay Filipiak at 440-926-2469.

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Volume 17, Issue 6, Posted 3:04 PM, 03.17.2021

Rotary Foundation Offering Five Scholarships

The Lakewood/Rocky River Rotary Foundation is offering grants for study in any accredited post-high school educational institution. Five grants of $3,000 will be awarded toward the cost of one year’s tuition.

Applicants must be a member of the 2021 graduating class of any accredited high school; be a resident of the Lakewood or Rocky River school district; show a record of academic success in his/her high school career; have applied to a specific college, university, community or junior college, or trade or professional school; and have no direct relationship to a current or honorary Rotarian.

Applications must be received by 3 p.m. Monday, April 5. The awards will be presented on May 3.

Required information must be submitted on the application form that can be downloaded at http://www.lakewoodrockyriverrotary.org.

Guidelines for submitting the application, as well as other criteria, are included.

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Volume 17, Issue 4, Posted 4:13 PM, 02.17.2021

Over $68,000 In Grants Will Be Awarded

Over $68,000 in grants will be awarded this year to non-profit community organizations in Lakewood and Rocky River by the Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River, according to Mark Bacon, Foundation marketing chair.

Since its creation in 1952 by then-Club President Carl Dryer, the Lakewood-Rocky River Rotary Foundation has enabled the local club to provide over $1.25 million in student scholarships and grants. This has been accomplished due to the generosity of the club’s philanthropic membership. 

Club members who donate more than $1,000 in support become members of the Carl Dryer Society. There are currently 32 active members. Recently, Lynn Donaldson achieved his second Carl Dryer recognition, Jim Lechko his third, and Jon Fancher, William Huffman, and Matthew Daugherty each their fourth.

The Foundation is overseen by a 15-member board of trustees. Four trustees serve on the investment committee charged with growing the corpus by maximizing interest and gains to fund the community support. Countless non-profits in Lakewood and Rocky River have benefited from this largesse. 

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Volume 16, Issue 24, Posted 12:59 PM, 01.06.2021

Rotary Foundation Awards $68,427 In Local Grants

Grants totaling $68,427 from the Lakewood-Rocky River Rotary Foundation will be used to provide scholarships, encourage student achievement, fight hunger, and foster programs for community health and wellness.

The Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River will award $15,000 in scholarships to high school seniors and will present $7,000 to student winners in the club’s annual speech, music, and art competition.

A $5,000 award goes to Elle's Enchanted Forest for an Inclusive Avalanche Slide and a $5,000 grant to Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corporation for Giant Eagle gift cards for needy families. Lakewood/Rocky River Meals on Wheels will receive $4,000 for meal preparation food and supplies.

Lakewood Community Services Center will receive $3,500 to provide for emergency food for families in Lakewood, Rocky River, and Westlake, following a new delivery model, a direct outcome of the pandemic. Trials for Hope will receive funding support for economically challenged families and unsheltered men and women.

A $ 3,427 grant to Neighborhood Family Practice (North Coast Health) will support NFP’s charitable care program to provide financial assistance for low and low-moderate income NCH patients.

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Volume 16, Issue 24, Posted 12:59 PM, 01.06.2021

Rotary Encourages Community Support

Giving back to the community is a hallmark of Rotary, and the Rotary Club of Lakewood & Rocky River has traditionally used its annual Wassail Bowl Christmas parties as a time for members to provide toys and clothing items for children in Lakewood and Rocky River.

Gift items were donated by club members and distributed by the Lakewood Foundation and the Rocky River Women’s Club (RRWC) and its Rocky River Assistance Program (RRAP).

As COVID 19 restrictions make it necessary for the club to cancel its in-person gathering, the holiday event will be held virtually this year, and the club will continue to support these community partners.

The club strongly encourages residents in Lakewood and Rocky River to join in donating to one or both of these 501(c)(3) organizations – Lakewood Foundation, an organization that works in conjunction with the city’s Department of Human Services, and the RRAP. Both have altered their in-person programs this year to help families in need.

 

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Volume 16, Issue 24, Posted 9:59 AM, 12.02.2020

Rotary Seeks Grant Applications

The Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River is seeking grant applications from non-profit organizations that serve our youth, adults and community within Lakewood and Rocky River.

Each year, the Rotary club, through its foundation, gives back to the community nearly $70,000 in grants, scholarships, and financial aid.

Applications must be submitted by November 14. The application process has changed this year as completed forms and materials should not be mailed but instead be submitted via email to lrrrotary@gmail.com. Grant awards will be announced in late December.

Grants requests can be for seed money for new endeavors, or to grow, enhance or sustain existing programs. Applications should emphasize activities that focus on job training, youth leadership, and health and hunger services.

Organizations are not limited to the number of applications they may submit.

Additional information and the grant application form can be accessed on the club’s website, www.lakewoodrockyriverrotary.org.

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Volume 16, Issue 20, Posted 10:13 AM, 10.22.2020

Marty Harris Named Unsung Hero Of Sunrise Rotary Club

The Lakewood Rocky River Sunrise Rotary club was pleased to honor Marty Harris with the 2020 Unsung Hero Award. Marty is a Charter member of the club which was chartered in 2007.  She is a Club Past President, and Chair of the Club’s International Service Committee. She has been the coordinator of the Rotary International Rotary Student Exchange Program for the Sunrise Club since it started. Prior to the founding of the Sunrise Club, Marty spearheaded that program for her husband Jim’s Lakewood Rocky River Rotary Club.

Marty has a passion for supporting youth. This passion drives Marty to go above and beyond expectations. During her career as a Lakewood High School Counselor, she continuously encouraged students to expand their connection to the world by signing up the Rotary Student Exchange program. Students spend nearly one year in a foreign country living with host families, going to school, and learning the culture of the country.

 

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Volume 16, Issue 18, Posted 5:22 PM, 09.16.2020

Rotary Shoe Boxes Ad Children Of The Dump

On August 26, members of the Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River joined Rotarians across the United States by participating in an international service project known as “Children of the Dump.”

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Volume 16, Issue 18, Posted 4:58 PM, 09.02.2020

Remember To Vote!

LAKEWOOD FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS!

As we head into the November election, The Observer would like to help you make sure your voice is heard. Here is how YOU take part:
First, register to VOTE! You have until Monday, October 5, 2020 to register in Ohio.* It takes two minutes and can be done online in Ohio at:

Olvr.ohiosos.gov

To register online you will need to provide the following:
• Ohio driver’s license or Ohio identification card number
• Name
• Date of Birth
• Address
• Last four digits of your Social Security number
Not online or have questions? Call:
General inquiries - 216.443.VOTE (8683)
Bilingual information - 216.443.3233
Hearing Impaired - Ohio Relay Service 711

In Person: Cuyahoga County Board of Elections - 2925 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115

REMEMBER! REMEMBER! REMEMBER!

Voter Registration Deadline:
Mon Oct 5, 2020

Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot:
Received by Sat Oct 31, 2020 12:00PM EDT
Deadline to Return Completed Absentee Ballot:
In-Person, Received by Tue Nov 3, 2020 7:30PM EST

Ohio General Election
Nov 3, 2020
Early Voting: Not available
In-Person Absentee Voting: Oct 6, 2020 - Nov 2, 2020*

*Taken from usvotefoundation.org and rockethevote.org

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Volume 16, Issue 17, Posted 4:54 PM, 09.02.2020

Gavlak Is New Rotary President

Gina Gavlak has been installed as president of the Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River for the Rotary year July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021, succeeding Marjorie Corrigan.

Ms. Gavlak is vice president of business development and president of North Coast Health Foundation. She joined Rotary in March 2016. She is the club's ninety-fifth president.

Steve Clark is the club’s president-elect. Mark Bacon and Tom English will continue as executive secretary and treasurer, respectively.

Sworn in as directors (2020-2023) were Chris Arnold, George Frank, and George Hwang. They join directors Mark Bacon, Steve Clark, and Doug Cooper (2018-2021), and Jonathan Clark, Pam Gallagher-Vine, and Jim Lechko (2019-2022).

Rotary’s theme for 2020-2021 is “Rotary Opens Opportunities.” The club meets online Mondays at noon via Zoom. The link to Zoom and additional information can be found on the club website, www.lakewoodrockyriverrotary.org.

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Volume 16, Issue 15, Posted 4:08 PM, 08.05.2020

Rotary Honors Speech, Visual Arts Student Achievement

Winners of Rotary’s Four-Way Speech Contest and visual arts competition have been announced.

Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River, the contest annually showcases the incredible talents of students attending one of five high schools – Lakewood, Lutheran West, Magnificat, Rocky River, and St. Edward.

Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood has been a valued partner of Rotary for this event, serving as the liaison to educators at the high schools and providing the venue and judges for various phases of the competitions.

Typically, the speech contest finals take place during a Rotary club meeting, and both the speech and music winners are honored at an award ceremony at the Beck Center where the visual arts pieces are displayed in the Jean Bulicek Galleria. Due to Ohio’s Stay at Home restrictions, none of these events, including the annual music competition, were able to occur.

The student winners were announced in a virtual awards ceremony video prepared by Beck Center. It was featured on Beck Center’s Facebook page and the Rotary club’s website.

Speech contest first place winner was Katy Spillsbury who spoke about “Gerrymandering.” Also honored were Mohamed Manaa, second place, “Human Rights Violations Against Muslins in China;” and Katie Healy, third place, “Genetic Modification.” Honorable mention awards went to Sara Jarecke, “Body Image,” and Madelyn Tumbleson, “Rape Allegations.” All students are from Lakewood High School.

Speeches must be of original content and be based on “The Four-Way Test of Rotary” which asks, “Is it the truth, Is it fair to all concerned, Will it build goodwill and better friendships, and Will it be beneficial to all concerned?”

This is the 75th year for the club’s speech competition, and the twenty-third year that the Beck Center has collaborated with the Rotary club for this student competition.

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Volume 16, Issue 11, Posted 10:38 PM, 06.03.2020

Rotary Awards Scholarships To Five High School Seniors

Five students have been awarded college scholarships by the Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River.

They are graduating seniors Kim Banak, Johana Guci, Nayfeh Mahmoud, and Nathanial White from Lakewood High School, and Youssef Salama from Rocky River High School. Each will receive a $3,000 award from the Lakewood-Rocky River Rotary Foundation. The $15,000 scholarship program is part of over $60,000 that the Rotary club donates to the community each year.

In addition to demonstrating academic achievement and potential, these five Rotary scholarship winners were chosen for their character, as well as extracurricular and community involvement.

Kim Banak was a four-year member of the Ranger Marching Band. She was recognized as the Outstanding Student in Health Careers at Lakewood High School’s West Shore Career Technical Center. She was a leader in the school’s Home Alone program in which high school students help younger students learn how to be safe at home while parents are still at work. Kim will pursue premedical and biology studies at Seton Hill University in Greensburg, PA.

Johana Guci has expressed her appreciation for opportunities as a recent immigrant by being deeply involved in her high school’s “Help to Others” (H2O) service club. Her scholastic achievement at Lakewood and at Tri-C has earned her membership in the National Honor Society. Johana will study biochemistry at Case Western Reserve University.

Nayfeh Mahmoud has taken advantage of Ohio’s College Credit Plus program to satisfy her high school requirements and earn nearly two years of college course credit. At the same time, she volunteers at numerous charity and cultural events. Nayfeh will study nursing at Cleveland State University.

 

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Volume 16, Issue 9, Posted 1:11 PM, 05.06.2020

Rotary Recognizes 15 Outstanding West Shore Career-Tech Students

West Shore Career-Technical District Outstanding Student Award recipients were honored by the Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River at its noon luncheon on March 9 at the Don Umerley Civic Center. 

The 15 students, top performers in their Career-Technical programs, were chosen for their exemplary accomplishments in the classroom, school activities, clubs, athletics and service in the community. Each student exemplifies traits of leadership, dedication, responsibility, caring, community involvement, and initiative.

“We are so proud of the Career-Technical Rotary Outstanding Students--they represent the finest West Shore has to offer and we have some amazing students! When young people develop valuable skills, make connections and build a network while they are in high school--they have an inside track to a successful career. These students are prepared for the real world and have made the most of their high school/career-technical experiences,” remarked Bill DiMascio, West Shore Career-Technical District educational coordinator.

School administrators, parents, and guests were among those in attendance. According to Rotarian Nancy Ralls, West Shore Career-Technical District career development coordinator, this is the 22nd year the club has honored Outstanding Student Award winners. 

 

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Volume 16, Issue 7, Posted 11:01 AM, 04.02.2020

Rotary Recognizes Ian Andrews With Paul Harris Fellowship

Ian Andrews, executive director, LakewoodAlive, has been awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship from the Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River in recognition of his leadership in the Lakewood community.

Called “the engine behind LakewoodAlive,” Andrews organizes many Lakewood community events throughout the year including Light Up Lakewood, Summer Meltdown, and Chocolate Walk. He also helps coordinate home improvement projects for elderly and/or low-income homeowners.

Paul Harris Fellowships are given to recognize exceptional contributions made by individuals who further Rotary's mission of encouraging the ideals of service as a basis of worthy enterprise, high ethical standards, community service, and the advancement of international understanding and goodwill.

Named for Paul Harris who founded Rotary in 1905, the award was established in his honor in 1957 and is usually reserved for individuals who contribute $1000 US to the Rotary Foundation.

 

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Volume 16, Issue 4, Posted 4:27 PM, 02.18.2020

Rotary Foundation Offering Five Scholarships

The Lakewood/Rocky River Rotary Foundation is offering grants for study in any accredited post-high school educational institution. Five grants of $3,000 will be awarded toward the cost of one year’s tuition.

Applicants must be a member of the 2020 graduating class of any accredited high school, and be a resident of the Lakewood or Rocky River school district; show a record of academic success in his/her high school career; have applied to a specific college, university, community or junior college, or trade or professional school; and have no direct relationship to a current or honorary Rotarian.

Applications must be received by 3 p.m. Monday, March 2. The awards will be presented on April 20.

Required information must be submitted on the application form that can be downloaded or completed online at http://www.lakewoodrockyriverrotary.org.

Guidelines for submitting the application, as well as other criteria, are included.

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Volume 16, Issue 3, Posted 4:31 PM, 02.05.2020

Club Welcomes New Exchange Student

Estefania Orpheu Pinheiro de Castro, inbound Rotary Youth Exchange student from Brazil, is being hosted by the Rotary Club of Lakewood & Rocky River.

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Volume 15, Issue 21, Posted 12:59 PM, 11.06.2019

Rotary Seeks Grant Applications

The Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River is seeking grant applications from non-profit organizations that serve our youth and community within Lakewood and Rocky River.

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Volume 15, Issue 21, Posted 12:59 PM, 11.06.2019

Leon Bibb Featured Speaker At College Club West Luncheon

College Club West is having a very special speaker at our fall luncheon. Leon Bibb, beloved legendary Cleveland news broadcaster, will be discussing "Everyone Has a Story" on Wednesday, October 16 at noon at the Lakewood Country Club, Westlake. Cost is $40 for presale only by October 10. Information and reservations at collegeclubwest.org or collegeclubwest@gmail.com.

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Volume 15, Issue 19, Posted 5:59 PM, 10.02.2019

Former Exchange Student Gives Back To Rotary As RYE Counselor

Imagine. You’re fifteen years old; 16 days shy of your sixteenth birthday. You’re about to embark on an 11-month journey, travel 8,700 miles to a different country, attend a different school, live with families you’ve never met, speak a language everyday you’ve only studied in school.

You’ve chosen to apply for the Rotary Youth Exchange’s long-term program in Thailand, your home country. You, your parents, and school have filled out all the forms. You’ve listed your strengths, weaknesses and ambitions. Your parents have written candidly about your character and maturity. Your commitment is for an entire school year.

Patitta “Pati” Kitcharoenchai knew about Rotary. Her father, Somchart, is a member of the club in Chanthaburi. Since last August, Pati’s host club has been the Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River. No stranger to Youth Exchange, the club has had at least one exchange student every year since Lisa Nestorsen (from Sweden) in 1982.

RYE’s objectives are simple, succinct and clear – “Instilling international understanding and goodwill in students, creating positive change by empowering youth, and making lasting connections for host clubs, host families, communities, and the students involved.”

 

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Volume 15, Issue 14, Posted 6:32 PM, 07.03.2019

Rotary Awards Scholarships To Four High School Seniors

The Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River awarded four college scholarships at its weekly meeting on April 1.

Graduating seniors Semra Dervisevic and Margaret McIlwee from Lakewood High School, Lauren Driscoll from Rocky River High School, and Molly Rogers from St. Joseph Academy each received $3,000 awards from the Lakewood-Rocky River Rotary Foundation. The scholarship program is part of over $60,000 that the Lakewood/Rocky River Rotary Club donates to the community each year.

In addition to demonstrating academic achievement and potential, these four scholarship winners were chosen for their character, extracurricular activities, and community involvement.

Semra Dervisevic is a co-editor on the management team of the Lakewood High School yearbook, in addition to working part-time in the community. She values multi-ethnic communities, and engaged in a lot of community service to refugees through involvement in “Girls Facing History and Ourselves.” Semra will study chemical engineering at Cleveland State University where she hopes to use her studies to “spark a change in a person’s lifestyle.”

Lauren Driscoll is an advanced art student who used her summers to take additional art courses at the Cleveland Institute of Art. Lauren enjoys exploring the interaction of art and technology. She chose to tackle something new during her senior year at Rocky River, leading the design and marketing team for the school’s robotics club. Lauren will attend Baldwin Wallace University to study digital media and design.

 

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Volume 15, Issue 8, Posted 12:14 PM, 04.17.2019

Rotary Foundation Awards Over $63,500 In Grants

Over $63,500 in grants from the Lakewood-Rocky River Rotary Foundation will be used to provide scholarships, recognize student achievement, purchase dictionaries for third graders, and help fund worthy programs by community organizations.

The awards focused on three main areas – community health and wellness, food and nutrition, and programs that encourage and foster youth leadership.

The Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River made the awards.

The club awarded $12,000 in scholarships to four high school seniors, and presented $6,000 to student winners in the club’s annual speech, music and art competition at the Beck Center on April 2.

The Beck Center received $2,500 for music scholarships, and $1,872 was used to continue the club’s commitment to provide a dictionary each year to every third grader in Lakewood and Rocky River.

 

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Volume 15, Issue 8, Posted 12:14 PM, 04.17.2019

Rotary Honors Speech, Music, Visual Arts Student Achievement

Winners of Rotary’s annual Speech, Music, and Visual Arts Contest were honored at an awards ceremony and reception April 2 at the Beck Center for the Arts.

Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River, the competition annually showcases the incredible talents of students attending one of five high schools – Lakewood, Lutheran West, Magnificat, Rocky River, and St. Edward.

Speech contest first place winner is Grace Dill. Also honored were Ella Chanter, second place, Haley Schultz, third place, and Ava Wahl, fourth place. All students are from Lakewood High School.

Speech contest finals were at the Rotary club’s March 25 meeting. Speeches must be of original content and be based on “The Four-Way Test of Rotary” which asks, “Is it the truth, Is it fair to all concerned, Will it build goodwill and better friendships, and Will it be beneficial to all concerned?”

This is the 74th year for the club’s speech competition.

Music contest first place winner is Kira Marjanovic, Lakewood, who performed “Sonata for Trumpet and Piano” by Kent Kennan on the trumpet. Nadine El Dabh, Rocky River, placed second; Zearatus Perry, Lakewood, placed third; and Breslin McCrae, Lakewood, received an honorable mention.

 

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Volume 15, Issue 8, Posted 12:14 PM, 04.17.2019

College Club West Discusses The Healthy Aging Brain At April 3 Meeting

College Club West next general meeting is Wednesday, April 3 at 7:00 p.m. at the Don Umerley Civic Center, Rocky River. Public Welcome. The program is “The Healthy Aging Brain” with speaker Kathleen Stefancin, MS, RD, President, Smart Picks. 
 
College Club West offers women living on the west side of Cleveland with four-year degrees and registered nurses opportunities to learn, socialize & participate in fun, meaningful activities. www.collegeclubwest.org

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Volume 15, Issue 7, Posted 7:53 AM, 04.03.2019

Lakewood Garden Club Hosts Author Amy Stewart

The Lakewood Garden Club is thrilled to announce that we will hosting “New York Times” bestselling author Amy Stewart, for a luncheon on Tuesday, May 14th, at the Don Umerley Civic Center in Rocky River. Ms. Stewart will give a spirited talk on her best-selling book, The Drunken Botanist, an entertaining look at the botanical origins of every delicious cocktail. Doors will open at 11:30 a.m., with a catered lunch at noon. The presentation will follow. Amy Stewart is a frequent guest on both television and radio and a sought-after speaker. She has authored numerous popular books including “Wicked Plants,” “Wicked Bugs,” “Flower Confidential’” and her latest series about the Kopp Sisters, which is based on the first female sheriff in the United States. Her presentations are entertaining, informational, memorable and “spirited"! There will be books for sale at the program, which Amy Stewart will autograph. 

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Volume 15, Issue 6, Posted 1:00 PM, 03.20.2019

Dynamic Lakewood Businesses Give Back

BEER ENGINE has been a cornerstone business in Lakewood since 2007. Partnering with Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corporation (LCAC), BEER ENGINE has raised more than $15,000 to help stuggling families and senior citizens in our community.

Each year, LCAC’s all volunteer board has to raise $25,000 to carry out its mission of providing food for the holidays and cleaning supplies in the spring to Lakewood residents in need. This year BEER ENGINE is celebrating its 12th anniversary by joining forces with Woodstock BBQ in hopes of raising a record donation for Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corporation. 

From March 1 - March 18, 2019 BEER ENGINE and Woodstock BBQ will invite patrons to purchase personalized taps, mugs, growlers, and kegs to paper the walls of each establishment. Prices vary from $1.00 to $100.00, with LCAC receiving 100% of the money raised during the campaign.

On March 18th  at 6:00pm, Mayor Summers will be at BEER ENGINE to accept a check from BE owner, Bob Wright and Woodstock BBQ’s owner, Robert Togliatti on behalf of LCAC and all the families who will benefit from the combined charity fundraiser.

 

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Volume 15, Issue 5, Posted 12:58 PM, 03.05.2019

Rotary Seeks Grant Applications

The Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River is seeking grant applications from non-profit organizations that serve our youth and community within Lakewood and Rocky River.

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Volume 14, Issue 22, Posted 4:01 PM, 11.20.2018

College Club West November 7 General Meeting Features Lake Erie Shipwrecks

The College Club West General Meeting is November 7 at 7:00 p.m. at the Don Umerley Center. Guest speaker Kevin Magee will be discussing Lake Erie Shipwrecks. The public is welcome to attend. College Club West offers women living on the west side of Cleveland with four-year degrees and registered nurses opportunities to learn, socialize & participate in fun, meaningful activities. Check the calendar page for upcoming activities. More information at http://www.collegeclubwest.orgcollegeclubwest@gmail.com, or Facebook. 

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Volume 14, Issue 21, Posted 3:08 PM, 11.07.2018

An Afternoon With Mary Beth Ions

Violinist Mary Beth Ions is one of Northeast Ohio's most active musicians. She performs in the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, Trinity Cathedral Chamber Orchestra and the Blossom Festival Orchestra. She will be performing a benefit concert on Sunday, October 14, 2018 at the Beck Center for the Arts. The show will start at 2:30 p.m. and will include wine, hors d'voeuvres and desserts. The ticket price is $25 per person with all proceeds benefitting Beck Center for the Arts. 

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Volume 14, Issue 19, Posted 2:26 PM, 10.02.2018

Rotary Shoe Boxes Aid Children Of The Dump

On August 1, members of the Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River joined Rotarians across the United States by participating in an international service project known as “Children of the Dump.”

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Volume 14, Issue 16, Posted 7:15 PM, 08.21.2018

Rotary Awards Scholarships To Four Area High School Seniors

Four graduating seniors were awarded college scholarships by the Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River at its weekly meetings on June 4 and 11.

Brian Donahoe and Bihieshta Jabarkhil from Lakewood High School, Jacquelyn Pappadakes from Rocky River High School, and Kiara Hoefsmit from Saint Joseph Academy, received $3,000 awards from the Lakewood-Rocky River Rotary Foundation. This $12,000 program is part of over $60,000 that the local Rotary club donates to the community each year.

In addition to demonstrating academic achievement and potential, these four Rotary scholarship winners were chosen for extracurricular and community involvement.

Brian Donahoe was active in Student Council and the Barnstormers theatre troupe. For four years he was on the school’s Academic Challenge and boys’ soccer teams. Last year, Brian garnered the highest GPA of the school’s fall athletes. He wants to explore the fields of civil and aerospace engineering at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend.

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Volume 14, Issue 12, Posted 4:18 PM, 06.19.2018

BEER ENGINE Benefits Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corp.

On behalf of Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corporation, I am honored to thank BEER ENGINE for raising $6,002 at their recent charity fundraiser for LCAC. BEER ENGINE has dedicated two years of support around their anniversary date to help Lakewood residents in need. Their combined donations have raised $14,582 for LCAC!

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Volume 14, Issue 8, Posted 3:27 PM, 04.17.2018

BEER ENGINE Benefits Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corp.

On behalf of Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corporation, I am honored to thank BEER ENGINE for raising $6,002 at their recent charity fundraiser for LCAC. BEER ENGINE has dedicated two years of support around their anniversary date to help Lakewood residents in need. Their combined donations have raised $14,582 for LCAC!

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Volume 14, Issue 7, Posted 3:27 PM, 04.17.2018

Cordray And Kucinich To Speak At March Democratic Club Meeting

On March 29, the Lakewood Democratic Club will hear from two candidates for governor back-to-back.

Richard Cordray, the first-ever director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, will address members and guests first. Former Congressman Dennis Kucinich will then discuss his own career and campaign.

Club president Grant Mackay says that this double-feature is a tribute to the motivated, engaged community in Lakewood.

“Speakers occasionally praise our club’s turnout for meetings, and say that the road to winning in Cuyahoga County detours through Lakewood,” says Mackay. “It’s a generous thing to say. But when we line up three candidates for governor in three meetings—and two of them even consent to share a meeting—something’s happening in this club.”

In January, the club hosted state Senator and candidate for governor Joe Schiavoni. After the appearance by Cordray and Kucinich, three-fourths of the Ohio Democrats’ remaining gubernatorial field will have appeared personally at the Lakewood Democratic Club.

The club’s officers expect the two-candidate March meeting to be a large draw. Cordray is a former Ohio Treasurer and Attorney General, and his tenure at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has received national attention. Kucinich is well-known locally, as a former mayor of Cleveland and an eight-term congressional representative for westside communities including Lakewood.

Club vice president Kristine Pagsuyoin encourages people to arrive early for the meeting.

“Our February meeting featuring judicial candidates filled nearly every seat, so we look forward to a potentially historic turnout this month,” says Pagsuyoin. “We’re making plans to accommodate extra people, but seating will be first-come first-served,” she says.

The Lakewood Democratic Club’s March meeting will begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 29. (Doors open at 6:30.) Meetings take place in the Woman’s Club Pavilion in Lakewood Park, and are always free to attend as a guest.

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Volume 14, Issue 6, Posted 7:14 PM, 03.20.2018

Rotary Seeks Grant Applications

The Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River is seeking grant applications from non-profit organizations that serve our youth and community within Lakewood and Rocky River.

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Volume 13, Issue 21, Posted 5:02 PM, 11.08.2017

Clifton Blvd Extension: Great News!

Historical Clifton Park is having the four lanes of the Clifton Blvd Extension reduced to two lanes with bike lanes on each side of the road from West Clifton to the Rocky River bridge.

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Volume 13, Issue 19, Posted 5:13 PM, 10.03.2017

Free Picnic With Lakewood Democratic Club & Friends

The Lakewood Democratic Club is hosting a a free community picnic on Saturday, September 23, thanks to the generosity of Representative Marcy Kaptur.

“It’s incredibly thoughtful of Representative Kaptur to sponsor this picnic for Lakewood, on top of all the great work she does for our district,” says Democratic Club President Grant MacKay. “I hope people will bring along friends and family, and enjoy some good food with neighbors.”

The picnic will take place in the Kiwanis Pavilion in Lakewood Park. MacKay notes that “the Democratic Club always meets in Lakewood Park, but indoors. It seems like we ought to get outside and enjoy one of the best parks around, once in a while, so we decided to have a picnic.”

This event is purely casual, open to the entire community. Anyone interested in the club can take the opportunity to chat about it with members. But, “The only agenda item is to enjoy the park, and help eat the food so we don’t have to take it home” says MacKay.

Hot dogs, brats, hamburgers and black-bean burgers will be served at the picnic, along with juice, pop and water. Attendees are welcome to bring their favorite side dish or dessert to share.

The Lakewood Democratic Club’s picnic takes place from noon to 2 p.m. on September 23, at Lakewood Park. There is no cost to attend, but online RSVPs are requested; please visit tinyurl.com/lkwdpicnic to let the club know you’re coming.

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Volume 13, Issue 17, Posted 12:35 PM, 09.06.2017